Apprehending the violent protests in view of one year anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 A, Jammu and Kashmir authorities have imposed curfew for two days, August 4 and August 5, in the UT. The administration has also extended the COVID-19 restrictions from August 5 to August 8.
Authorities apprehended the violent protests on August 5 by the separatists and Pakistan sponsored groups and their plans to observe the day as a black day. “Protests are not ruled out. There are specific inputs about violent protests endangering public life and property,” said the order issued by Srinagar district.
The order issued by Srinagar district magistrate Shahid Iqbal Choudhary also extended the lockdown in the UT till August 8, unless revised orders. However, as per the orders, the movement for medical emergencies is allowed. Medical staff who are working in facilities to fight against COVID-19 will also be allowed to travel but with a valid pass.
“Therefore, after having considered the material facts in said report and examining the situation in the backdrop of prevailing factors, I, District Magistrate, Srinagar, by virtue of powers vested in me u/s 144 CrPC hereby order complete restrictions on public movement/curfew in territorial jurisdiction of District Srinagar,” stated the order.
Heavy security staff has been deployed in the Kashmir Valley to prevent miscreants from disturbing the peace. The police officials had announced the curfew in all the localities through public address systems fitted vehicles and had said, “People are requested not to violate the law and stay indoors.”
On August 5, 2019, Parliament abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir with the revoking Article 370 and Article 35A and divided it into two Union Territories, one being Jammu and Kashmir and the other one Ladakh. Hundreds of political leaders including Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, and others were detained or are under house arrest. Omar Abdullah was released earlier in March this year after about eight months of detention under Public Safety Act while Mehbooba Mufti is still under house arrest.
